Kent State University
3-4
North Dakota State University
2-5
#VictorGame Ends in Big 75-54 Victory for Kent State
12/5/2015 9:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State's (3-4) #VictorGame honoring cancer fighters ended in a big 75-54 victory Saturday night as a strong defensive effort defeated North Dakota State (2-5).
The Bison got out to an early lead, leading by as much as eight, 11-3, in the opening minutes. However, the Golden Flashes stepped up on defense after a called timeout and got ahead 17-16 at the end of the opening quarter.
Six consecutive successful free-throws from Larissa Lurken gave Kent State its largest lead up to that point of 11 with 4:15 left in the second quarter, forcing a timeout.
The strong defense lasted throughout the first half as Jordan Korinek also did some work down low to put the Flashes up 37-28 at the halfway mark. The Bison had committed 20 turnovers at that point as Korinek had netted 14.
Tyra James came out strong at the break, making three-straight jumpers that started with Bison turnovers to increase the lead to 15. That lead bloomed to as much as 22. Entering the final ten minutes of the contest, the Flashes led 58-36.
North Dakota State would never come within closer than 16 points down the stretch as Kent State cruised to the 75-54 win.
The Golden Flashes forced the Bison to commit 34 turnovers on twenty steals. Twenty of the home team's 31 field goals were assisted in the game. North Dakota State won the rebound margin 42-26.
Korinek was a point shy of her career-best with 27 points alongside a team-high seven rebounds. James and Lurken each netted 15 while Naddiyah Cross finished with ten and eight assists.
Kent State's homestand comes to an end as the team will travel to Bradley for a 8 p.m. EST game on Tuesday.
